The "Falls"

The Falls Trail at Bandelier National Monument. Well, there wasn't actually any water in the Falls just then. We did get treated to this view, when we turned a corner and beheld the gateway to the confluence with the Rio Grande.

Along the trail, Krista spotted the heart-shaped pattern on this tree. There was a terrific interpretive guide for this trail, about the flora and geology, shaping and shaped by the flow of the river and the orientation of the canyon.  Just a few steps around the corner to the south, the exposure and air temperature create different conditions.  Flowers of the same species bloom a full month later in the cooler, sheltered part of the canyon.








Below: It was a steep drop to the valley floor.  Vivid colors in the rocks and vegetation (a little washed out in this shot). Amazing how the shrubs and trees find footholds on the cliff faces.

Above and Beyond - The Las Minas Trail

 

Near Taos - A Nice Afternoon Hike

Here we are near a creek. Jim, Colleen, Krista and I went on a picnic outing and lingered by the creek afterward.

This meadow daisy had a visitor!

Sunsets

We stayed an extra night to answer Jim's invite to join them for dinner at his sister's. She's 81 and going strong!

She had a wonderful view to the west and Krista drew everyone out to enjoy the sunset. We watched for the "green flash" that occurs just as the sun dips below the horizon.

People II

Dave took me to a Friday breakfast at Harry's while Krista packed us for our next adventure. These wonderful characters have coffee-fueled political discussions! Dave gets a huge kick out of it and so did I!

Community

Taos Publo. This is ancient! The present-day "Community" consists of native Americans, and others, who lease these apartments, at least part time. 

This is from farther away...The adobe requires constant maintenance.  There's always patching and resurfacing to be done, to keep the walls sealed against the elements.

This is inside - interior photos are by permission only! Notice the pole beams.  Some residents welcome visitors to a peek inside.  Others create homemade traditional food to sell visitors. We stopped in a few doors down for some delicious frybread.  Mmmm, with honey drizzled on top.

This is a church on the grounds.

Think of time. It could be a couple of hundred years ago, except for the truck.

Bridge

The Rio Grande River Gorge Bridge near Taos. The gorge goes on forever!

Looking across the chasm...

Looking down at the watery ribbon made by the Rio Grande...

 "Zooming in" on the ripple and flow below.